Margaret Walker's "For my people"

the long version

Half a century ago a young woman published a poem that was destined to reverberate through American life. Here that poem is reprinted with thirty-eight stunning photographs that celebrate it. "For My People" is a resounding catalog of black history, a clarion that refutes the affliction of humiliation, an indelible record of noble accomplishments. Since 1942 this enduring paean to black America has remained an everlasting appeal against racial oppression. "I wrote most of that poem," Margaret Walker says, "in fifteen minutes on a typewriter. I think it was just after my twenty-second birthday, and I felt it was my whole life gushing out - as I had felt about my people all my life." Since that time the astonishing young poet whose voice rose in cadences that praise and honor black America has never ceased to stir minds and hearts to action with her credos. She became indeed the renowned poet, novelist, lecturer, teacher, and sage Margaret Walker Alexander. In commemoration of "For My People," her first publication, and in tribute to her richly productive life, the acclaimed photographer Roland L. Freeman has joined a photo essay to Margaret Walker's poem. "I selected photographs that call to mind the special human elements evoked by Walker, so basic to everyday life, and yet not often celebrated, elements which unravel the real beauty and the tenacity for life of African-American people." With this marvelous collaboration both Walker and Freeman stimulate rejoicing for the spirit of the artist who perceives and depicts the rich and vital culture of black America. In this jubilee year of a momentous poem, "For My People" continues to resound in the hearts of African-Americans and for all who love human freedom.